What to do if you have a stomach bug while breastfeeding?

Navigating a Stomach Bug While Breastfeeding
Experiencing a stomach bug while breastfeeding can be a daunting situation for any new mother. The good news is that you can continue to breastfeed your baby, which not only provides essential nutrition but also helps protect your little one from illness. Here’s a detailed guide on how to manage this challenging time effectively.
Continue Breastfeeding
One of the most reassuring aspects of breastfeeding during a stomach bug is that your breast milk remains safe for your baby. In fact, breastfeeding can be beneficial as it allows you to pass on antibodies that help bolster your baby’s immune system. This is particularly important because breast milk can help protect your baby from contracting the same illness you are experiencing.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial when dealing with a stomach bug. Symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can affect both you and your milk supply. It’s essential to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions. Staying hydrated not only helps you recover faster but also ensures that your milk remains plentiful.
Maintain Hygiene Practices
To prevent the transmission of the stomach bug to your baby, rigorous hygiene practices are vital. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling your baby or any feeding equipment. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of spreading germs. If you are feeling particularly unwell, consider breastfeeding while lying down to conserve energy and make the experience more comfortable for both you and your baby.
Consult Healthcare Professionals
If you are unsure about any medications you might need to take while breastfeeding, it’s best to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant. They can provide guidance on safe options that won’t affect your milk supply or your baby. Additionally, if your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial to ensure you receive the appropriate care.
Rest and Recovery
While it may be challenging, prioritizing rest is essential for your recovery. Your body needs time to heal, and adequate rest can help speed up the process. Whenever possible, take breaks and allow yourself to recuperate, which will ultimately benefit both you and your baby.
Conclusion
In summary, having a stomach bug while breastfeeding can be managed effectively with the right approach. Continue breastfeeding to provide your baby with vital nutrients and antibodies, stay hydrated, maintain strict hygiene practices, consult healthcare professionals when necessary, and prioritize rest. By following these guidelines, you can navigate this difficult time while ensuring the health and safety of both you and your little one.

What are 5 warning signs of a possible problem during pregnancy?

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs:

• Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.
• Changes in your vision.
• Fever.
• Trouble breathing.
• Chest pain or fast-beating heart.
• Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away.

Can I pass stomach bug to my baby?

Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, can be a serious condition in babies. Breastfeeding for the first few months of life has links to lower rates of stomach flu and less severe symptoms. But the virus could still pass to the baby via the hands or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

What kills a stomach virus fast?

There’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.

What can I take for a stomach bug while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

Can a stomach bug affect a baby?

Stomach bugs are common in pregnancy. It is very unlikely that your baby will be harmed from a bug lasting less than 48 hours.

Can my upset stomach affect my breastfed baby?

There is no need to stop breastfeeding if you have diarrhoea but you should be very careful with hand hygiene e.g. after going to the toilet and before you touch food. A breastfeeding mother with diarrhoea will pass on antibodies to her baby, which will help to combat the risk of infection.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug baby?

You can treat stomach bugs at home by making sure your child keeps drinking fluids and gets plenty of rest. The best way to keep your child well hydrated is with an electrolyte-containing solution such as Pedialyte®. Have your child take small sips frequently — meaning every five minutes or so — throughout the day.

How long are you contagious with a stomach bug?

People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, good hand washing is important.

Can I pass a stomach bug to my baby?

Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, can be a serious condition in babies. Breastfeeding for the first few months of life has links to lower rates of stomach flu and less severe symptoms. But the virus could still pass to the baby via the hands or through contact with contaminated surfaces.